According to behavioral theory, there are two basic kinds of motivation. They are called intrinsic motivation and extrinsic motivation, or internal and external motivation. When someone engages in an activity primarily because they will gain some kind of tangible reward, it’s called extrinsic motivation. When someone engages in an activity primarily for the pleasure or satisfaction of that activity itself, it’s called intrinsic motivation.

For example, take the individual who wants to eat better and exercise in order to fit into a particular outfit, receive attention from others or to please a loved one. This is an example of extrinsic motivation. It is behavior motivated by some external reward. One the other hand, take the individual who wants to eat better and exercise because it’s the healthy and responsible thing to do. This is an example of intrinsic motivation.

The theory is that behavior motivated by an internal desire is more likely to be long-term and more likely to be integrated into your personality than is behavior that is motivated by some external reward. So think about that today and ask yourself where your motivation for healthy living comes from? It may make all the difference in the world.